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The call shuts off, and I hit the table in irritation.
Any number of people in this building could fall prey to Alistair. He has a reputation that precedes him. He and Nicolas were royalty, even if Nicolas was the face of The Company. I’m still trying to come into my new role. There are numerous men who would quickly betray me for my father.
“I am not going to tolerate him taunting me like he has the fucking right to do so!”
“We’ll find him.”
Sebastian’s reassurance does little to sober the amount of red-hot anger I’m feeling, so I force my hands over my face, dragging at my skin until my fingers push through my hair.
“Where’s your signet ring?”
Instinctively, I curl my hand away, but instead of looking at Sebastian, I go straight to Natalia. Her eyes are entranced on my hand, waiting to see the evidence.
“Didn’t want to wear it anymore.”
She slowly raises an eyebrow. “For any particular reason?”
I rub the spot where the ring used to be and regard Natalia across the space between us. She nervously watches me, her lips slightly parted as she waits, and slowly, her eyes lift until her blues meet mine and I give her the most reassuring smile I can manage.
“Y’know,” I start, taking my attention from her and putting it back on Sebastian. “Alistair took a lot from this family. I decided it was time to start making some changes.”
“But the ring…”
“Was a symbol of The Company thatheruined.” My jaw starts to become tighter, locked almost shut as I think of the wreckage he left. “He took everything for his own agenda and I’m not allowing it to continue. Today marks a day of change. It’s why we’re here, isn’t it?”
“Thought we were getting the fuck out of here?”
That was our original plan. First thing this morning, I thought we should pack and leave and wait for the threat to die a bit. I’ve changed my mind. Alistair calling has shifted the game, and I don’t want to give him a chance to run riot.
“We are, but not for long.”
“What do you mean?” Natalia questions.
“We’re leaving, but it’s only so we can form a plan of action with people I trust around me. I want to re-evaluate everything, and I mean everything. Everyone and everything is under scrutiny from this point.”
“You’re being quiet, even if your face says otherwise.”
Natalia’s question is directed at Andreas as he sits directly in front of her. The one who’s been the quietest all day.
“How do we know you aren’t going to blow it all up?” Andreas asks from his side of the room. “How do I know this isn’t all part of the ruse to get something else you want?”
“I’m a lot of things, but I’m not stupid.” Natalia’s statement is hard to match, her tone even and calculating. “Just because I’ve created a reputation for myself doesn’t mean anyone knows me.”
“Yeah, well, your reputation has definitely proceeded you at this point.”
She chews her lip for a moment, more in thought than raging emotions, but I see her more vulnerable feelings push through to the surface.
“What do you want from me, Andreas? For me to say I’m sorry? Because I am.”
“And she doesn’t say that often.”
I scoff in agreement with Sebastian and take the ire she throws my way.
“I’m right,” Sebastian continues. “You don’t apologise unless it is truly meant.”
“I’m not being funny, but you’ve not seen her in almost ten years, so how are you so okay with her?”
“Seven,” he corrects quickly. “And while you’re new to the game, I’m not. I’ve known Natalia a lot longer than you, and I know her better for it.”
